21 March 2012

The Diary Olé changes his head in homage to '10' and becomes' Culé'.
Mundo Deportivo hits on a framework for the great work of Messi.

The Argentine newspaper Olé, always original in their covers, hits a day on which the world press, general and sports, reflects on its first page the record for Messi, top scorer in the history of Barça with 234 officers after so many 'hat-trick achieved at the Granada. The header is changed by Olé magically 'Culé', playing with the drawing of the 'O'. And a full body Messi winks with the ball of his three goals in his hand. There is a holder with a large typeface. Enough with the 'Culé', the 'share the Passion' that accompanies the header and an explanatory text: "A Messi what was César ... With three goals to 234 comes with Barcelona and it is the most scorer in club history. Olé feels a Barca fan over and yells from the logo of this top honor, Congratulations. "

Mundo Deportivo also surprised by putting a frame around the cover in a real feat for framing. The headline says it all: "Historic". On the cover of Marca, Messi wins a small hole through his record next to a huge photo of Cristiano Ronaldo, but is more prominent among exclamation that "Barça are five points". Something similar happens in AS. The holder is for "the challenge of Cristiano, the three goals of Messi is placed behind the scorer." And in the small section azulgrana reads: "Messi can with everyone." Sport opted for a message with an image of Messi: "The best scorer."

"Messi rewrites history" is the headline on the front of La Vanguardia, while The Journal uses only two words: "Hail, Messi." In El País is said that "at age 24 is already the biggest player in the Barça" and El Mundo, always in reference to the covers, it is recalled that "surpasses the legendary record goalscorer César in Barca."

In the French newspaper L'Equipe stands the record was accompanied by important points to fight for la Liga. "Messi returns Barça (the title fight." And notes that "the author of a hat-trick against Granada (5-3), Leo Messi put Barça five points behind Real Madrid and step becomes the most prolific player in the history of their club. "Gazzetta dello Sport in the Italian impact on the record:" 234 goals: the largest in the history of Barça. "In Portugal also surrender to Messi," the best always at Barça, "according O'Jogo. (via MD)

The ex player of FC Barcelona and ex coach Johan Cruyff said Leo Messi stands out as a football player but also "for his behavior in the field and off the field. This must be assessed further believe that only the technical quality."

The day after Messi surpass the record of César as FC Barcelona's top scorer with 234 goals, Cruyff said, speaking to "Els Matins" of Catalunya Radio that "for football, Messi is a gem because it instructs all children around the world. "

Johan Cruyff told Barca's crack that "in two feet can move right or left and also has the ball as if it were attached to the body. This also had a little Maradona at the time because they are somewhat smaller ". According to ex coach barcelonista, Messi has a better right leg that Maradona: "To say you're one of the best in the world will have to master everything. I think what surprises most is that everyone plays with the left but also right. I mean, one good leg Vaseline is easy enough but with the bad leg, incidentally, is very difficult. "

Cruyff believed that Leo Messi is part of the ideal team for its characteristics: "Barça play great football that everyone has a coach who exposed human quality, which is important today, and a quality player who has an extreme playing on a computer that also fits well with its football category. "

On the chance that Barça win la Liga yet, Cruyff acknowledged that "it is very difficult but anything can happen, especially in recent months, when the awards are distributed. Pressure naturally increases more and more". (via SPORT)

The midfielder recognises that catching Madrid is difficult, but "hope is the last thing you lose" .

"I think Messi is the best player ever," Thiago said, whilst acknowledging that the Barça number 10 will continue to make history.

With the victory against Granada, FC Barcelona have now won eight consecutive matches, which has allowed them to be a contender for the Champions League, and also to reduce the points difference in the League with Real Madrid. Thiago Alcántara, who attended a press conference, knows that winning the League title "doesn't depend on ourselves" so the players are "only thinking about our games. We have 10 games left and we have to win the maximum number of points possible". The midfielder acknowledged that they're still hoping to win the League title. "Hope is the last thing that dies, we just have to keep hoping".

Thiago believes that just as there are people who say they saw Pelé or Maradona play, he can say he has seen "Leo Messi play. He's a player who has made history, is making history and will continue to make history". He believes that there are few adjectives left to define the Barça superstar, but what he is certain of is that "Messi is unique".

He also spoke about Cristian Tello. Thiago is not surprised by his performances, as he knows him well from playing with him in the reserve and youth teams. "He's always had this speed and ability" said the midfielder, who predicts that he'll score more goals. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

The players who played last night, including Lionel Messi, did some recovery work, while the rest trained, already thinking about the League game on Saturday in Mallorca.

Also taking part in the session were B Team players Tello, Muniesa, Bartra, Montoya, Jonathan dos Santos, and Sergi Roberto.

The Barça first team returned to work this morning after the victory against Granada in a game where the protagonist was, once again, Leo Messi. The Argentinian, who with his hat-trick overtook Cesar as top scorer in the history of the Club, in official games, was one of the players who participated in the training session at the Joan Gamper training ground. Under heavy rain the football squad trained in a session in which the starters against Granada did some recovery work.

The rest of the players worked flat out, already thinking about Saturday's game away to Mallorca (18.00). For this training session the manager called up six players from Barça B, namely Tello and Muniesa, ever presents in the last few first team training sessions, Bartra, Montoya, Jonathan dos Santos, and Sergi Roberto. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Manchester City and Tottenham are months behind Begiristain, the Chelsea is in the chamber.

The ex technical secretary of Barcelona, Txiki Begiristain, has several offers on the table in the Premier League. The two most depth are Tottenham and Manchester City. The first is perhaps the most interesting, since the London club for some time that goes behind Begiristain to become its new sport director. In any case, all finally depend on their current coach, Harry Redknapp, took over the England team to play the next tournament.

City's offer would hang if you win the league title or not. In the event that the club finally lift the Premier Agüero, Txiki options to anchor in the English club would be lower.

There is a Tecero more in the chamber, although in this case is not as consolidated as the other two. Abramovich's Chelsea ebn intensely interested in their day by former sectarto técnioco Barcelona, but now it seems that interest has cooled. In any case, a possible signing of Guardiola would be intensified. For now, everything is in 'standby'. (via SPORT)

The record arbitration contains the words of Brazilian full back Dani Alves to the referee Teixeira Vitienes after his expulsion in the 87th minute.

"The player Daniel Alves Da Silva, after being sent off at minute 87, and before leaving the field, turned to me repeatedly and loudly with the following terms:" Yours is awesome! ". So reads the minutes of collegiate Teixeira Vitienes after Barça-Granada on Tuesday and which had its share of leadership after failing to point out three possible penalties for Barça and show a red and eleven yellow cards.

Alves, who saw two yellow cards in the minutes 60 and 87, will miss the next day between Mallorca and Barcelona. (via SPORT)

Benfica sealed their place in the final of the League Cup by beating Porto (3-2) with goals from Maxi Pereira, Nolito and Cardozo.

In the Da Luz stadium and Joan Capdevila as a starter, Benfica went ahead with a hard shot from the right back Maxi, who stood in the heart of the area to take a pass inside the Brazilian Bruno César.

After a pass from Hulk, the Argentine "Lucho" González quickly equalized with a shot that bounced lucky in the defense and goalkeeper Eduardo misled.

The visitors hit back with a header from French central Mangala, but Benfica, which topped the post three times before the break (two Luisao and Pablo Aimar), tied with a bit of exazulgrana Nolito, marking the twelfth season .

In the final game, "Takuara" Cardozo put the perfect comeback to the red with a dry finish to pass the Argentinean Nico Gaitán. (via SPORT)

Granada coach, Abel Resino, praised the undeniable superiority of Leo Messi, from last night's top scorer in the history of Barça.

"To argue now Messi is absurd. It's the best player in the world by far. When a match is stuck, take out the crystal ball and no wonder it has already made ​​history," said the coach at a press conference after the match the Camp Nou.

Resino lamented that with the tie to two on the scoreboard, "really was the key moment of the match and we had a clear chance." "But I'm proud of my players, who have given their all. Meter three goals Barça is not easy," he added.

"The team has worked very well, with the difficulty is to play with the best in the world, which is where there are spaces. Having the Barça nervous for a while the game is a tremendous merit. I noticed Barça nervous because the party he could escape, "he assured the coach.

Also referred to two penalties mentioned in favor of Granada, to which were added some controversial plays that Barcelona has claimed.

"If pitarlo penalty should be. A small team causing two penalties in the Camp Nou and is meritorious in itself. On the controversial arbitration be as steep with the arbitration issue, Barça and Real Madrid are the only ones interested . the end wins la Liga he deserves it, not by arbitration a controversy "has ruled Resino. (via SPORT)

The Barça manager praised Leo Messi on the day the Argentine broke César’s record. Guardiola is clear that it will be difficult for another player to break Messi’s record.

The manager also played down the fact that the end result was 5-3, he also said that “we paid tribute to the Barça of the Five Cups,” César’s team.

“We are witnessing the best [player] in every sense. He does everything, and he does it every three days. I’m sorry for those that want to sit on his throne, but this lad is the best. Hopefully we can enjoy his football for many more years.” Josep Guardiola is a happy man and he has the humble honour of training the world’s best player, Leo Messi, who scored a hat-trick against Granada to become the Club’s all-time high top goalscorer in official matches. His 234 goals have delighted the world of football, and Guardiola is in lockstep with awed football fans and pundits alike. “Leo has rightfully entered into history,” he said. He also has no qualms about comparing the Argentine to Michael Jordan: “there are few players that dominate in this fashion, and he does it.” The manager said that at Messi’s goalscoring rate, it will be difficult for any other player to break the Argentine’s record.

“On the day that Leo Messi broke César’s record we played a game like one would have been played in that era, a 5 to 3 as a tribute to the Barça of the Five Cups.” That’s how Guardiola analysed tonight’s match against Granada. The manager also played down the fact that the Andalusian side drew level on 61 minutes. “[The game] had all the ingredients of a football match. I want to congratulate the team for overcoming all of today’s adversities.”

Xavi scored once again, which takes his tally past his personal best record for goals scored in a season (14). Guardiola recognised that “this year the midfielders are scoring quite a few goals; we’re trying to get them to have more presence in the area.” The manager also took the chance to congratulate Isaac Cunenca and Cristian Tello, seeing that “both of the wingers won us the match.”

Against Mallorca, Guardiola will not be able to count on Alves, who was sent off, and Adriano, injured. “It’s a shame, but we’ll find two more players. We’ll bring up players from the reserve side, I suppose it’ll be Montoya. We’ll go to Mallorca to compete like we did today.” (via FCBarcelona.com)

FC Barcelona’s Medical Services have diagnosed the Brazilian defender with a semimembranosus muscle elongation in his right leg.

The worst piece of news from this Tuesday’s match against Granada is that Adriano Correia will be on the sidelines for 10 days. FC Barcelona’s Medical Services have diagnosed the Brazilian defender with a semimembranosus muscle elongation in his right leg.

Adriano has played 28 matches this season and scored 3 goals, one of them in the Liga and two in the Club World Cup. (via FCBarcelona.com)

The Barça defender was pleased with the team’s game against Granada despite the fact that it’s been a difficult task to cut into Madrid’s lead, he also praised Leo Messi.

Piqué: “playing for Barça means that you are always looked at though a magnifying glass”.

After the 5-3 win over Granda, Gerard Piqué analysed, on Barça TV’s El Marcador, the team’s attitude in the Liga: “the team is very motivated and we’re on a good trajectory, with great football. At times we play at a high level and that reinforces us in the Liga and in other competitions.”

However, the Barça defender considers the challenge of gaining ground on Real Madrid at the top of the table a difficult task: “it was hard to pull two points back, the Liga [title] is difficult to win and we don’t depend on ourselves.” On the two penalties called against Barça tonight, Piqué said that “in those plays, and even more so with how sensitive the referee issue is, you don’t call them.”

The center of attention

The Azulgrana talked about the controversy that’s been circling around him in the past couple of weeks: “at first it did have an effect on me, but in the end there comes a point where you have to disconnect and focus on your training.” Piqué considers that footballers that play for the Club is synonymous with always being the focus of attention, “playing for Barça means that you are always looked at though a magnifying glass. My job is to go out onto the pitch and give it everything I’ve got. You must improve each year to continue at this Club.”

On his manager's statements last week when he said that Piqué would only leave the Club when the defender chose to, Piqué said that “it’s an honour that Pep would say that, usually it’s the Club that opens the exit door for a player.” The Azulgrana went on to say that “I don’t have a date set for leaving the Club.”

Situation that needs to imporve

“On an individual level I’ve enjoyed playing for the team, but I have to improve a lot of aspects of my game, like my aerial play. I have to be strong,” explained Piqué. He also went on to talk about the way Barça defends: “[the team marks] in zone, we’ll try to dominate and make fewer mistakes. We have to cover each other's backs.”

Leo Messi, in focus

Breaking César’s record and netting a hat trick have undoubtedly made Leo Messi the star of the game. Like many of his teammates, Piqué had words of praise for the Argentine: “it’s a pleasure to be in the same generation as him, I believe he’s the best player in the history of the sport. I’ve been lucky enough to be on the same team as him, I consider myself privileged.” He went on to add that “it doesn’t matter where he plays, if it’s cold or hot, he always proves that he’s the best.”

Here are statements made by Barça’s players after the match against Granada:

Víctor Valdés: “Messi will mark an era. He’ll be the best ever.”

Cristian Tello: “In person, Leo is just like he is on the pitch; a simple lad and very friendly to his teammates.

“The truth is that the match went a bit against us, but we were able to control it. However, we have to wait and see what Real Madrid does.”

Isaac Cuenca: “We managed to score more goals to win the game. I feel great. The Liga title is difficult to win but we have to see if we can keep on winning out matches in order to keep our possibilities open.

“Leo Messi is amazing, he’s the best in the world and he proves it on a daily basis. For me, he’s the best ever.

“It will take years to see someone else do something similar to what Messi does. We have to enjoy him and his plays.” (via FCBarcelona.com)

BEST: Messi, the devourer of records. He has won everything with Barça, a collective and individual, and from now is also the top scorer in the history of Barça. At 25, a whopping sum of 234 and as many as culé. His hat-trick against Granada him past the legendary brand that since the 50 bore César. It's been half a century, and feels that it will be another more-or several more-no one can overcome it. Leo walked into the legend and decided on a very difficult match. The three points remained in the Camp Nou and now the pressure is on Madrid, who on Wednesday visit to Villarreal.

WORST: Crashing after the break. Barça was again the victim of a problem that is being repeated too often. At 2-0 in favor, the team let off the throttle. And their relaxation after the break cost him the tie. The defense was not to remove it 2-1 in Mainz, and Alves was slow in marking Dani Benitez before committing penalties. Luckily Messi-Tello and water returned to normal. (via SPORT)

The players wore shirts of FC Barcelona footballer support 's Bolton in the moments before the opening whistle.

Barça want to commit on Tuesday with the support that the entire universe of football has professed in the last days of the Bolton English midfielder Fabrice Muamba, who on Saturday suffered a collapse in the home opener against Tottenham at White Hart Lane and whose situation despite improvements, remains grave.

The players in the first team off to the pitch in the moments before the opening whistle wearing T-shirts with the slogan 'Fabrice, we are behind you', demonstrating their support for the Congolese midfielder, naturalized English, only 23 years.

Meanwhile, Granada players also had a nice gesture to wear shirts in support of the French side of Barça Eric Abidal with the slogan "Mucha fuerza Abidal." (via SPORT)

Granada President congratulates his players for the match, but claimed a penalty for offside Valdés and Messi in Barça third goal. "I wonder what would have happened."

"I can not say that we had taken a point if the referee had whistled the penalty de Valdés or Messi offside, but after drawing a match that is 2-0 I wonder what would have happened." The chairman of Granada, Enrique Pina said after the match that the referee had hurt his team on specific plays, although Vitienes II Teixeira said two penalties in the area of ​​Barcelona. "There are plays discussed that may influence the outcome. Víctor Valdés hits my player (Borja Gómez) and stops the play is over. And Barça's third goal, Messi seems offside. Is discussed," said Pina that he was confident that the penalties of Alves' other left. "

In addition, the chairman of Granada wanted to congratulate his players for the match. "Two years have passed without anyone check three goals here. It is a comfort, because it is a party that you assume that you can lose and it is very difficult puntúes, but we have a good picture with all the casualties we had. I will congratulate to the players, "said Pina. (via AS)

Athletic vice-president Jose Maria Bartomeu congratulated Leo Messi for breaking César’s record. The director recognised that “it’s unlikely that another player like Leo will play [this sport] and break this record.” He said “we have a fantastic player for many years to come. We’re privileged.” The director is pleased to see Pep Guardiola’s team succeed year after year. On the manager’s possible contract extension, Bartomeu said that “he’s an important person, he turned this team around, the Club and Barça’s athletic vision. We want him to stay. He represents much more than a manager and we hope that he stays.” He also talked about Abidal, “we hope everything works out for him. We’re optimistic.” (via FCBarcelona.com)

With his three goals against Granada, Leo Messi surpasses César’s record and became the all-time top goalscorer in the history of FC Barcelona in official matches with 234 goals.

On March 20th 2012, Leo Messi became FC Barcelona’s all-time top goalscorer in official matches after breaking César Rodríguez’s record of 232 goals. The game against Granada, on week 29 of La Liga, will be remembered for this extraordinary feat: a hat-trick by the three-time Ballon d’Or winner that took his all-time tally to 234 goals, two more than the illustrious ‘Pelucas.’ At 24-years-old, Messi is a living legend.

The Masia graduate, who made his debut for the first team in October 2004, has scored 153 goals in the Liga, 49 in the Champions League, 19 in the King’s Cup, 8 in the Spanish Super Cup, 1 in the European Super Cup and 4 in the Club World Cup. His preferred victims are Atlético Madrid (18), Sevilla (14), Real Madrid (13), and Racing Santander (12). Curiously enough, Granada was the only team in the Spanish top flight that Messi hadn’t scored on.

Against Granada, Messi pulverized his personal best goalscoring record. So far he has 54 goals, one more than he scored in the entirety of last season. The Argentine has scored eight hat-tricks (counting his four goals against Valencia and five against Levekusen). In the Liga, with 10 matches remaining, he’s the leading scorer with 34 goals. He’s the best, no discussion. And he plays for Barça. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

The Argentine contradicts Guardiola and Barça gets in contention for la Liga. An assist and got a hat-trick of over César. The Granada reached tie. Two penalties from Alves.

Guardiola pessimistic words have been censored in any other club and had depressed players of different stuff. But Barça of this new era, carved at will, accept diversity of views democratically, especially who has won trophies based and allows for the reply. Proof of this is that these players are better challenge to reach the unreachable. As much as the teacher says. Although he advises against logic. And although they sometimes suffer more than necessary or not penalties should piten. A team that has already made ​​history, no matter what happens, yet to reach by appealing to the heroic title to become immortal. Against Granada wrote the first chapter. He knows that sometimes the game is forgotten and the Iniesta goal to Chelsea or leagues of Tenerife always remember.

That is the challenge. Messi and company have been proposed, for once, not to agree with your guide and will fight this league until the mathematics say enough or until the Madrid unlikely to faint. Against Granada would prove immediately. Hence, rolled out and did not need to show more accurate night to put away five points in the table. There is still a gap. There is still a league. Shook with the header from Mainz in the nth cluelessness Piqué and, above all, to draw a penalty committed by Siqueira Alves on the edge of the area. The first of what he said. But reacted with caste. To get used to what lies ahead.

The game was developed in his start as everyone anticipated. Barça sent if desired and struggled out only by a lack of concentration Alves. It was just a mirage. The first team play Barça's first goal came. Cuenca, relegated to the stands in Sevilla, left behind his two effortlessly to bring a measured center to the area. There, at the far post, waiting Messi licking. His posture and hungry look tricked us as an act of fellowship exquisite headed the penalty spot to Xavi, volley, grind them.

This was only the letter of Leo. Minutes later, Argentina was able to score a second. He collected a pass in front and brushed a shoe that almost hurts to Julius César. Granada goalkeeper bit the 'Pulga' with its stretched. And we all know: with Messi angry, insurance goals ahead. The 2-0 came six minutes later. Basin was again the source. This time up cycling. Its center, again poisoned, was topped by Messi with the precision of a surgeon. Its stuck to the bottom remato entered and served to equate myth with another 232 goals FC Barcelona, the ex ​​Granada César.

The match seemed to be terminated. No one had the complacency of Barcelona, ​​which became entangled in touch without depth, nor the faith of a Granada playing better than many think. The set of Abel, exemplary in their struggle and didactic in its deployment, entered the strips with a side missing, classy dumped by Martins and topped with a genius for Mainz. Piqué looked again. Few believed in miracles. Except Benitez. The end picked up a ball in the area shortly after crossed the lane and to achieve the opposite. Alves challenging all the way. The Brazilian, tired of chasing him, not stopped or slowed saw his prey. Him down and forced a penalty which did not miss Siqueira. The Madrid away.

He played to start over and roll up. Guardiola moved the bench. With Iniesta and Tello to remove anything could get worse. Barça awoke to remember that a trip was final and overpowered the Granada to mobility that should never have left. Messi made ​​it three with a master to control with a touch pass to Alves hole and beat the goalkeeper with another above Granada. A work of art no longer surprised by indigestion.

Tello increased the distance thanks to its electric arrivals from behind. What a great player with more future than past. His shot after a rebound, he avoided any mishap. The meeting was closed. Or so we thought. Until Messi took another brilliant service Alves dribble into space to be Julius César and other ball home. In the end, Alves returned to commit a penalty before it could be said Valdés. Dani saw the red and Siqueira bitter did the double of his career. He and everyone knew at that time had already warned that Messi Guardiola and Madrid this league still has some scares. (via AS)

Subs: 62,461 spectators attended the match in game for the twenty-ninth day of First Division. They observed a minute of silence in memory of Estanislao Basora, a component of the Barcelona front of the five cups. Before the meeting, staff Barça roller hockey, winning the Copa del Rey and football pitch, brand new winner of the Cup of Spain, the securities offered to the spectators at the Camp Nou.

The legendary ex player Eusebio admitted that his Portuguese compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo is not the best in the world, place, in his opinion, Leo Messi.

"As I've said all along, Cristiano Ronaldo is a player of very high level, but today is not the best. Messi is the world's most prestigious player," said Eusebio Portuguese newspaper 'Récord'.

The legendary 'Black Panther', star of the selection of Portugal in the sixties, rejected, however, compare your game with your fellow Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo. "It is difficult to make comparisons. In addition, today's players are much more recognized and have more money," he joked.

Regarding the European Championship next summer, Eusebio assessed the options for hisr country considering a candidate for the title. "I do not say who will be champions, but may surprise you. It is a good choice, with very good players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani," he said. (via SPORT)